Chapter # 2 –  Political Developments Under Different Regimes

2.1 General Ayub Khan’s Era (1958-1969)

2.1.1 discuss the reasons for the promulgation of Martial Law and General Ayub Khan coming to power

Reasons for the Promulgation of Martial Law and General Ayub Khan’s Rise to Power (1958)

Pakistan’s first decade after independence was marked by political instability, frequent changes of government, constitutional crises, and administrative difficulties. Between 1947 and 1958, the country struggled to establish strong democratic institutions. These problems eventually led to the imposition of Martial Law on 7 October 1958 and the emergence of General Muhammad Ayub Khan as Pakistan’s first military ruler.

Political Instability and Frequent Changes of Government

One of the major reasons for the imposition of Martial Law was the continuous political instability in the country. After the death of Quaid-e-Azam in 1948 and the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951, Pakistan lacked strong and stable political leadership. Between 1951 and 1958, Pakistan witnessed frequent changes of prime ministers. Khawaja Nazimuddin, Muhammad Ali Bogra, Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar, and Feroz Khan Noon all served as prime ministers within a short period. This rapid turnover weakened the political system and created uncertainty in governance.

The frequent dismissal of governments prevented the implementation of long-term policies and reduced public confidence in democratic institutions. Many people believed that politicians were more concerned with power struggles than national development.

Failure of Parliamentary Democracy

Pakistan adopted a parliamentary system under the Constitution of 1956. However, the democratic system failed to function effectively. Political parties were weak, lacked internal organization, and often formed unstable coalition governments. Personal rivalries and political opportunism became common features of politics.

Members of provincial and national assemblies frequently changed loyalties, resulting in unstable governments. This political disorder created the impression that democracy was unable to solve the country’s problems.

Constitutional Crises

Another important factor was the repeated constitutional crises. Pakistan took almost nine years to frame its first constitution, which was finally implemented in 1956. However, instead of bringing stability, conflicts between politicians, governors, and bureaucrats continued.

The political leadership often disagreed over issues such as representation between East and West Pakistan, provincial autonomy, and distribution of power. As a result, constitutional government remained weak and ineffective.

Administrative and Bureaucratic Dominance

The civil bureaucracy became increasingly powerful during the 1950s. Senior bureaucrats often influenced political decisions and played a major role in government affairs. Many bureaucrats believed that politicians were incapable of governing effectively.

This growing influence of the bureaucracy weakened democratic institutions and created an environment in which military intervention became more likely.

Economic Problems

Pakistan faced significant economic challenges during the 1950s. Industrial development was slow, unemployment remained high, and economic inequalities increased. Development projects were often delayed due to political instability.

Although some progress was made in agriculture and industry, many citizens were dissatisfied with the government’s inability to improve living standards. Economic difficulties further reduced public confidence in civilian governments.

Law and Order Situation

Political instability also affected law and order. Strikes, protests, demonstrations, and political conflicts became common in several parts of the country. The central government often struggled to maintain stability and enforce its authority.

Many people feared that continued instability could threaten national unity and security. This concern was frequently used to justify stronger administrative control.

East-West Pakistan Differences

The relationship between East Pakistan and West Pakistan became increasingly strained during the 1950s. East Pakistan contained a larger population but felt politically and economically disadvantaged. Disputes over language, political representation, and resource distribution created tensions between the two wings of the country.

These disagreements weakened national unity and contributed to the perception that the existing political system was failing.

The Role of President Iskander Mirza

President Iskander Mirza played a crucial role in the imposition of Martial Law. Frustrated by political instability and the failure of parliamentary governments, he dissolved the national and provincial assemblies on 7 October 1958. He also abrogated the Constitution of 1956, banned political parties, and declared Martial Law throughout the country.

To implement Martial Law, Iskander Mirza appointed Muhammad Ayub Khan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, as the Chief Martial Law Administrator.

General Ayub Khan Comes to Power

The alliance between Iskander Mirza and Ayub Khan did not last long. Within twenty days of the declaration of Martial Law, Ayub Khan removed Iskander Mirza from power on 27 October 1958 and forced him into exile in Britain.

Ayub Khan then assumed full control of the government and became Pakistan’s first military ruler. He justified his takeover by arguing that politicians had failed to provide stable and effective governance and that military intervention was necessary to restore order, discipline, and national progress.

Impact of Martial Law

The imposition of Martial Law marked a turning point in Pakistan’s political history. Democratic institutions were suspended, political parties were banned, and military rule replaced parliamentary government. Ayub Khan introduced a centralized system of administration and later implemented political reforms such as the Basic Democracies System in 1959.

While some people welcomed the restoration of stability, others criticized the end of democratic governance and the growing role of the military in politics. The events of 1958 established a precedent for future military interventions in Pakistan’s political system.

Conclusion

The promulgation of Martial Law in 1958 was the result of political instability, weak democratic institutions, constitutional crises, economic difficulties, administrative dominance, and growing tensions between East and West Pakistan. President Iskander Mirza’s decision to dissolve the Constitution and impose Martial Law created the opportunity for General Ayub Khan to assume power. Ayub Khan’s rise marked the beginning of Pakistan’s first military regime and significantly influenced the country’s political development for years to come.